Shinnojo confesses that he can no longer turn a blind eye to pointless killings. He forbids Namunosuke from following him in spite of his persistence. Sanusoke decides to give them time to solve their trouble and asks Saito to hide it from Hijikata. Ito Kashitaro and his brother discover that they are once again being followed; Saito passes on the information that a hidden swordsman is killing off Choshu samurai, with the rumours pointing to Okita Soji, which is impossible. Namunosuke seemingly comes to terms with Shinnojo's decision and reminisces with Kyujuro. Daisaku accuses Shinnojo of being selfish, to which he agrees, but he says that he has no choice as it is him whom Namunosuke is trying to protect and might turn into a 'demon' for. Daisaku, who had already chosen to become a demon in order to protect Kyujuro in spite of Sakamoto Ryoma's advice to think of a way for the both of them to be together instead, is reminded of this when Kyujuro mentions his sad smiles. Shinnojo and Namunosuke violently cross swords, and Namunosuke storms off, upset. He is taken by the thugs of the Nueno mansion while outside. Daisaku and Sanosuke return after a fruitless search and receive a message about the kidnapping. (Source: Japanese = TV Asahi || Translation = MyDramaList)